CHIANG MAI, THAILAND – A 35-year-old man in Chiang Mai killed his pregnant wife and later confessed after his arrest, facing prosecution for manslaughter.
Police find woman dead in apartment
On Monday afternoon, officers from the Mae Ping police station were called to a residential building in Chiang Mai. There they found 33-year-old Yardrung lying dead in a room. She had been five months pregnant, and the unborn child also did not survive.
Her husband, Guntee, was present when police arrived. Officers immediately began questioning him and secured evidence inside the apartment.
Husband first claimed an accident
According to investigators, Guntee initially said his wife had fallen inside the home and died from the consequences. Police considered this account not credible and subjected him to intensive questioning.
During the course of the interrogation, Guntee changed his statement and admitted he was responsible for his wife’s death. The confession formed the basis for his subsequent arrest.
Jealousy cited as motive in confession
In his statement, Guntee said the couple had been married for eight months. He said he lost control during arguments driven by jealousy. As a trigger, he referred to remarks his wife made during a conflict that had sent him into a rage.
Residents told police they had heard disputes from the apartment in the past. However, according to the case file, there had been no concrete reports to the authorities.
Arrest and legal proceedings
Guntee was arrested the same day and brought before an investigating judge. According to officers, he appeared remorseful. The public prosecutor’s office was reviewing possible charges, including intentional killing.
Chiang Mai police opened a full investigation and worked with forensic specialists to reconstruct the exact course of events. Further details were to be released after the completion of forensic examinations.
Domestic violence seen as wider social issue
The case was part of a series of domestic violence incidents in Thailand that had recently drawn public attention. Women’s rights groups had been calling for stronger prevention measures and easily accessible reporting channels for people at risk.
Thai authorities had previously launched campaigns to raise awareness about domestic violence. Crisis hotlines and counselling services were available to those affected and to people around them. Cases in which neighbours or acquaintances noticed signs of violence could be reported anonymously.